Get smart with your money
Dear Liz: I need to understand how credit reporting agencies treat personal unsecured loan debt versus credit card debt. I am considering getting a personal loan from a reputable lender to pay down my credit card debt. The amount of my overall debt will still be the same, just in a different category. How will […]
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Today’s top story: How to keep your identity secure. Also in the news: Automating your way to wealth, what you need to consider before becoming a co-signer, and what to tell your grandkids about saving for retirement. Keep Your Identity Secure With a Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert Protecting your important assets. How to Automate […]
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Same-sex marriage has been legal long enough in a couple of U.S. states that its pioneers may qualify for Social Security benefits even if they divorce. Marriages that last at least 10 years before they end qualify the participants for both spousal and survivor benefits from Social Security. Spousal benefits equal up to half the […]
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Today’s top story: Why you cannot afford to become complacent about money. Also in the news:The financial steps you need to take after your spouse dies, how to get into a money-saving mindset, and why getting your debt in order is essential for a good retirement. 5 Ways Complacency Can Cost You Serious Money The […]
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Today’s top story: The money moves you need to make at the midyear point. Also in the news: Life events that require financial planning, common credit score killers, and why you should always read the fine print when choosing a checking account. Your Midyear Guide to Managing Your Money Moves you need to make now. […]
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Today’s top story: How your medical debt impacts your FICO score. Also in the news: Signs your parents are victims of a financial scam, what you need to know when hunting for scholarships, and how to fly first class on the cheap. The Impact of Medical Debt on FICO Scores A new formula treats medical […]
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Dear Liz: I have two kids heading to college. Both need co-signers for their student loans. Will me co-signing have a negative effect on my credit? The kids have no choice. I’m middle class, having made enough to get myself by as a divorcee, but there’s no college savings. To make matters worse, I make […]
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Dear Liz: I was intrigued by your answer to the question about paying taxes through the IRS Electronic Tax Payment System. I went to the website you mentioned (www.irs.gov/payments) and found that there was a fee. You didn’t point this out, and I think it is relevant. My quarterly estimated payment would be $1,726 and […]
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Today’s top story: How to simplify your financial life. Also in the news: Credit card fees you shouldn’t have to pay, the hidden costs of starting your own business, and the amazing credit card features you’ve always wanted. 8 Easy Ways to Simplify Your Financial Life Sifting through the clutter. 6 outrageous credit card fees […]
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